St. Wendrona's

Wendrona's

As you approach St. Wendrona's Church you will notice something unique in Cornwall, an 18th century two storey lych gate, the upper storey having once been used as the parish room. Also, before entering, look out for Cornish crosses in the churchyard and separate graveyard; there is one inside, too. It seems that next to nothing is known of Wendron's patron Saint Wendrona. Her church, typically Cornish of local granite, is mostly of the 14th and 15th centuries and stands on what may be a pagan mound. The 3-stage tower is of granite ashlar, embattled and pinnacled. The fifteenth century porch has pinnacled buttresses and a four-centred arch interior doorway. Inside, the interior is attractive. The five bay nave has two lower bays at the east end and is lower where the rood screen once went across. The south aisle is 15th century. Windows are mostly 15th century but those in the chancel are earlier. All were at least partially remodelled in the 19th century. The nave and north transept have two bays of pointed arches between. The nave and north transept arcade have 2 bays of pointed arches where the rood screen once was. The south aisle piers and north transept arcade have crude shield-bearing angels on the responds. The south aisle and north transept retain their medieval wagon roofs. The probably 14th century font has quatrefoils and crude corner shafts. By the pulpit is the double headed eagle of Richard, Earl of Cornwall and "King of the Romans." Unexpectedly the rood stairs are still in place. The lych gate by the road is unusual and fascinating; it is of two storeys, the upper entered either from the churchyard or by steps from the road. Its coffin rest is still in place. On an earlier visit to Wendron, at a time when I was seeking out Cornish Crosses, I found six there altogether. Photographs of some are below.

St. Wendrona's Church

The Lych Gate

St. Wendrona's Cornish